The Haakon County Public Library will host a Summer Reading Program from July 10 through August 3 that is geared for several different age-ranges of children and for families.

This year's theme is Mystery. There are incentive prizes for reading and participating in the Summer Reading Program. Librarian Alison Kattelmann won't say what the prizes are, because they are a mystery.

The sessions for preschool and elementary children are entitled "Get a Clue at your Library". Preschool Storytime will be on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

David Burnett (right) of Philip has been honored by the National Federation of State High Schools Association. Presenting the award is Mark Naugle, Superintendent at Hill City Schools and former secondary principal at Philip High School, and one of Burnett’s former officiating partners.

David Burnett was awarded the 2007 National Federation Officials Association's Active Officials Award for SD during the Boys' State A Basketball Tournament in the Rapid City Civic Center on March 15 through 17.

The NFOA has sponsored Active Officials Awards for each state in all sports since 1983. The individuals receiving these awards have exemplified the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral character, have made significant contributions to high school officiating in South Dakota and are members of the NFOA.

The Philip City Council met Monday night at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioner's Room at the Haakon County courthouse.

In old business, the council was given a Centennial Celebration update from Joe Gittings, the Centennial Committee Chairman. The Committee had ordered an open container cup that people may purchase for one dollar to use during the celebration when visiting either the 73 Bar or the Steakhouse. Gittings also mentioned that both the Bar and Steakhouse will be issuing colored wristbands each night for those of legal drinking age.

Veterans Service Officer Kevin Graber notified the Haakon County Board of Commissioners at their Tuesday, June 5, meeting that he is resigning from his position.

Graber, who has received commendations for his work in Haakon and Jackson counties, is leaving his position since his wife has taken a teaching position in Chamberlain. He has been the Haakon County Veterans Service Officer for the past four years.

Moved into its new location, the Philip Ambulance crew offered an open house on May 22. Crew members have been eager to show off the new facilities - to the point of giving preliminary tours of the building during the remodeling stages to anyone who wished.

Gutting of the structure began around mid-April of 2006, shortly after the ambulance service acquired the property from Kennedy Implement.

The Philip Volunteer Fire Department had purchased several additional trucks. With the two ambulance units sharing bay space, some fire units had to be parked outside.

Philip will celebrate spring right where it all happened one hundred years ago. It will be a big party, drawing together the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of area homesteaders and early pioneers to a place they can call home. For many, it will mean traveling back from where life has taken them.

Spring is a time when a young man's (and lady's too) fancy can throw caution to the wind.

Thankfully, Philip is not a hotbed for serious crime, but while having fun, it may be a good idea to keep your eyes open and your mind engaged.